At least 22 people - seven soldiers and 15 militants - are killed in clashes in Pakistan's tribal region of South Waziristan on Friday, local TV channels reported.

At least 22 people - seven soldiers and 15 militants - were killed in clashes in Pakistan's tribal region of South Waziristan on Friday, local TV channels reported.

Several others from both sides were also injured in the fighting between security forces and militants in the troubled region. There has been no official confirmation about the clashes.

In a separate incident, three security men were injured in a suicide attack in the same region, according to local TV channels.

Violence in Pakistan, especially the tribal region, has escalated since tribal militants scrapped a peace pact with the government in mid-July. Attacks by militants on security forces have left hundreds dead since early July.